Chapter 2
Origins of American
Government
The Framers
In 1787, 55 delegates from 12 states met in
Philadelphia to revise the Articles of
Confederation. Later known as the Framers,
these delegates soon decided to write a new
constitution instead.
The Virginia Plan
The Virginia Plan called for three branches of
government. (A bicameral legislature, Executive,
Judicial)
The number of representatives each State would
send to the legislature was linked to the wealth
and population.
Chapter 2
Origins of American Government
Section 5: Ratifying the Constitution
The Fight for Ratification
The Framers provided that
before the Constitution
could take effect, at least
9 of the 13 states had to
ratify it.
Federalists and Anti-Federalists
Americans were greatly divided in their opinions
about the Constitution. Two groups formed.
The Federalists, who favored ratifying the
Constitution.
The Anti-Federalists, who strongly opposed
ratification.
The Federalists
stressed the
weaknesses of the
Articles of
Confederation.
The Anti-Federalists
attacked almost
every part of the
Constitution. Two of
their strongest
attacks were…..
 the greatly increased
powers of the central
government.
 the lack of a bill of rights
that would provide for
basic liberties (freedom of
speech, religion, etc.)
The struggle for ratification was intense in
several states. The struggle was especially
strong in Virginia and New York.
The Federalists finally won in both states.
After 11 states had ratified the Constitution in
1788, the states held elections for a new
president.
The first Congress of the new National
Government met in March of 1789. Because there
was not a quorum, or majority, the electoral votes
could not be counted until April 6th.
George Washington was elected President.
John Adams was Vice President.